Burqa Law Goes into Effect in Belgium

A law banning women wearing full Islamic burqa veils in public comes into effect in Belgium on Sunday. Women who violate the law face fines and up to seven days in jail. The law applies not only to burqas, but to all clothing that blocks the identity of the wearer, making it difficult for security officials to identify them.

The law was passed in April of 2010, with nearly all members of the lower house of Belgium's parliament supporting it.